The Trap of Platform Comparison
Most people spend more time choosing a platform than building their product.
They research. They compare features. They read reviews. They switch platforms halfway through because the first one "wasn't quite right."
Meanwhile, their product sits unfinished.
This lesson exists to stop that cycle.
The platform is a container, not a differentiator. No one buys your course because of where it's hosted. They buy it because it solves their problem.
Choose something simple. Build your product. Move on.
Why Squarespace Is Usually Enough
Squarespace isn't the only option. But it's simple, clean, and covers most use cases without overwhelming you.
Here's what you can do with Squarespace:
Host your landing page
Sell digital products (PDFs, videos, memberships)
Collect payments through Stripe or PayPal
Send automated emails after purchase
Embed content (YouTube videos, Vimeo, etc.)
That's everything most people need to start.
You don't need a dedicated course platform. You don't need a complex membership site. You don't need integrations with 10 different tools.
You need a place to host content and a way to collect payment.
Squarespace does both without requiring you to become a developer.
Read: Why Squarespace Works for Most First Products
Simplicity Beats Customization
Complex platforms promise flexibility.
"You can customize everything." "You can add any feature." "You can integrate with anything."
That sounds appealing. Until you spend three weeks setting it up and still don't have a product live.
Here's the truth: customization is a distraction until you know what you're building.
You don't need infinite options. You need five things:
A way to explain what you're offering
A way to collect payment
A way to deliver the content
A way to email buyers
A way to update content when needed
Simple platforms give you these out of the box. Complex platforms make you build them yourself.
Start simple. You can always migrate later if you actually need more.
Read: Why Simple Platforms Ship Faster Than "Powerful" Ones
Fewer Tools Lead to More Shipping
Every tool you add is another login, another setup process, another thing to maintain.
People think more tools equal more capability. But in reality, more tools equal more friction.
Here's what happens when you overcomplicate:
You spend time connecting integrations instead of creating content
You troubleshoot tech issues instead of testing your offer
You delay launching because "the system isn't ready yet"
The fewer tools you use, the faster you ship.
One platform that does everything adequately beats five specialized tools that "do it better" but require constant management.
Read: The Cost of Tool Complexity (And Why One Platform Is Enough)
The Platform Is a Container, Not a Differentiator
No one has ever bought a course because it was hosted on a specific platform.
They bought it because:
The outcome was clear
The price felt fair
They trusted the person selling it
The format matched their learning style
The platform is invisible to your buyer. It only matters to you.
So stop optimizing for features you don't need yet. Stop comparing platforms like it's the most important decision.
Pick one that's simple, affordable, and lets you start today.
The platform doesn't make your product valuable. Your thinking does.
Read: Why Your Platform Choice Doesn't Matter to Your Buyers
What to Look for in a Platform
If you're still deciding, here's a simple checklist:
Can I build a landing page without code? Yes or no.
Can I sell digital products and collect payment? Yes or no.
Can I deliver content (PDFs, videos, links) to buyers? Yes or no.
Can I send automated emails after purchase? Yes or no.
Is it affordable for my current stage? Yes or no.
If a platform checks all five boxes, it's good enough.
Don't keep looking for the "perfect" one. There isn't one.
Read: The 5-Question Platform Checklist (Stop Overthinking It)
Bottom Line
Complex platforms slow progress.
You don't need customization. You don't need advanced features. You don't need the "best" platform.
You need something simple that lets you:
Build a page
Collect payment
Deliver content
Email buyers
Squarespace does this. So do a handful of other simple platforms.
Pick one. Build your product. Launch.
You can always migrate later if you actually outgrow it. But most people never do.
The platform is a container, not a differentiator.
Stop optimizing. Start shipping.